Forum targets ice and other drugs in Wodonga

Wodonga Council will today host a forum on the use of crystal amphetamines and other drugs in an effort to reduce drug-related harm across the community.

“Drug use is an important issue – not just for Wodonga but in regional and rural communities right across Australia – and it is important that we come together to address it,” Acting Wodonga Mayor Cr Danny Lowe said.

“We know that Wodonga had a rate of 14.7 hospital admissions per 10,000 people related to illicit drug use in 2014-2015.

“Plus there is the related harm to take into account, and the devastating impact this has on individuals, families and the broader community.”

“For example, with crystal amphetamines, users often lose their employment, relationships and housing in quick succession.”

The workshops will gain a shared understanding of the social and environmental factors that contribute to drug use, identify key target populations, and determine strategies to prevent drug use in Wodonga.

Delegates will attend both workshops over the next two days, and represent organisations such as the Department of Justice, Department of Housing and Human Services, Wodonga TAFE, Mungabareena Aboriginal Corporation, Gateway Health, Drugs Education Counselling and Training Solutions (DECATS), Salvation Army, Victorian and NSW police, and others.

Reducing alcohol and drug-related harm is a key priority of Wodonga Council’s Safety, Inclusion and Equity Strategy2016-2017 to 2021-2022, that aimsto reduce disadvantage and work towards a community that is safer, inclusive and equitable to all.

Following the forum, the council will develop a Community Drug Action Plan.

“That’s why we are all here today – to build a better Wodonga, and support Wodonga Council’s vision where no one is left behind,” said Cr Lowe.